I have a 15 x 24 room now ready to go.for construction. I have the plans drawn up and a lot of lumber to build with. However somethings just not right with my layout design that I can’t put my finger on. I was wondering if anyone knows of other online layouts approximatly this size that may give me something to look at and trigger the thought proccess? (or am I just thinking to much?)
My HO layout happens to be a garage loft 24’x24’, with an interior stairway. but 15’x24’ area should be quite adequate for an around the wall, penninsula layout. I have two classification yards, with double slip switches, crossovers, and fairly long drill tracks, (that do not interfer with the operation of main lines, and yet allow for drop off and pick up classified consists). A pass through classification yard should be adequate for your layout By the use of pass-overs and reverse loops and wyes, it allows for some interesting operation, even if it is not prototypical. This layout contains two harbors and across the top is a raised Nscale dogbone. I just hope that this drawing gives you some ideas. Click on drawing to enlarge it.
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BatMan, why not allow us to see the plan in which you have less than full confidence? Perhaps we can correct a minor flaw and allow you to still enjoy much of your own creation. This is quite important for many of us; we want badly to be original.
A layout of that size could take on so many variations that it would be virtually impossible to compare yours to it. The best approach would be to post a picture of yours and see if we could help you put the finger on it.
Thanks for the feedback. Letting you guys have a look is a great idea, the trouble is the drawing is on a 3ft x 5ft. sheet of graph paper and I am not sure how to get it on the computer. Maybe I will try to take a photo and see how that turns out. Living somewhat out in the boonies kind of puts a limit to getting some outside help.
One question you may be able to help with is curve radius. This is my first layout since I was a kid and I really want to run some 2-10-4s. My smallest radius is 32" on the main. Will this work? Also what is the smallest turnout I could use in the yard for an engine of this size?
Thanks B
32 inch minimum is fine, if you can use #6 switches, you should have no problems.
Well, 32 inches is OUTSTANDING. I too have some big steam that needs some time on the road.
Number 6 switches are fine. In fact my main yard will be nothing but number 6’s because of the longer modern cars and reduction of curves. I dont expect ay other engine than my NW or Mike to get into the yard itself.
Regarding the large paper on graph in 3x5 feet I dont know. What you COULD do is break it up and re-draw it on single peices of paper.
You probably already have a good idea where the mainline is going to go. Then you can make the best use of what is left in the space. Dont forget that you can use grades to climb over or tunnel under stuff.
You could take a photo of the layout, size it for the webhosting service you use, and then post your plan that way.